McNatural L completes the job on closing day

HAMBURG, N.Y. — McNatural L (McArdle) has been knocking on the door of a harness racing victory the past three weeks but on closing day at Buffalo Raceway on Sunday afternoon (July 20) she finally completed the task in the $10,500 pace for the fillies and mares with a 1-1/2 length decision over Lorraine Smoke in 1:57.3.

With a second-place finish and a pair of thirds in her previous attempts, McNatural ($4.20) was in a prime spot to get back to the winner’s circle. Starting from the inside post, McNatural L (David McNeight III) took advantage of the draw and immediately gained the lead off the starting gate.

Uncontested on the front end, McNatural L put up splits of :29.3, :59.3 and 1:28.4 over the fast track. Turning for home, McNeight III was in a prone position in the sulky as McNatural L was cruising to the finish line with no rallies materializing. She completed the mile in 1:57.3, equaling her seasonal best. Lorraine Smoke (Kyle Swift) took the place position with Bettor B Sawyer (James McNeight Jr.) collected third place honors.

Owned by El Dorado Stables and trained by David McNeight Jr., it was the fifth win in 22 appearances for the 7-year-old McNatural (McArdle-Natural Paradise). The victory improved her 2025 bankroll to $37,125 and to $206,203 lifetime.

Denny Bucceri completed the afternoon with a driving triple with McNeight III getting two. Samuel Smith had a pair of wins on the program.

Racing is expected to resume in March of 2026 at Buffalo Raceway.

For more information, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway